Lock



Nov. 10, 1942. o. E. sElFFER-r 2,301,755

LOCK

Filed June 24, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 Nov. l0, 1942. o, E, sEn-FER-r`2,301,755l

LOCK

Filed June 24, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR.

E gifsea Patented Nov. 10, 1942 l UNITED STATES iAlElirl'l FFICE 17Claims.

stantially pick proof, that is, which is much more diicult to pick thanpresent day cylinder locks.

'I'his invention contemplates characterizing the lock by the fact thatit includes a plurality of coaxial disc .shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with oifset cutouts fora combination key, and also having large peripheral combination cutoutsfor a master projection of an operator for opening the lock. It isproposed to use a movable operator for opening the lock in conjunctionwith the said disc shaped tumblers, and it is proposed that the moveableoperator have a master projection which normally rests against the edgesof the tumblers and in a certain turned neutral position of the tumblersis movable into said pe- Y ripheral combination cutouts, whereby thetumblers may then be turned to move the operator for opening the lock.

An important advantage inherent in the construction recited aboveresides in the fact that the tumblers, in order to be placed into theirneutral positions in which `the lock may be opened must necessarily `bemoved in a multitude of different directions in the `planes of thetumblers. tumblers merely by moving them in :a linear direction. It isnecessary that they be turned. This motion is a two direction motion.

Moreover, it is proposed that the disc shaped tumblers be looselyturnably supported. also proposed that there be a means which preventsthe tumblers from turning unless they are centrally supported. Thismakes a picking operation quite diliicult since it is necessary that thetumblers be truely 'axially supported, in ad- 40 dition to vbeingtur-ned. If a pick is used which moves any of the tumblers slightlylaterally they cannot be turned.

Furthermore, the invention proposes to construct the peripheral-combination cutouts on the 45 disc shaped tumblers of a much largersize than the master projection of the operator. Moreover, it isproposed that blockades be arranged to prevent the operator from movingto open the lock unless it is in a neutral position in proper 50 It isnot possible to properly set the It is (Cl. 'iii-355) In addition to theimportant dominating features already pointed out, the inventioncontemplates numerous minor features. For example, certain specificblockades of the nature previously mentioned are proposed. Moreover itis proposed to loosely turnably mount the disc shaped tumblers in acertain fashion. A novel construction of the operator is alsocontemplated.

The invention also proposes a novel construction of key for operatingthe combination lock. It is proposed to characterize the key by the factthat it is built up from a plurality of discs mounted on a core and thatcertain of the discs have small peripheral projections which comprisesthe combination of the key.

It is proposed to so construct the key and the lock that the entiredevice may be produced from stampings, and possibly, a forging.

The invention also proposes to so arrange the combination lock that itmay be applied to a door lock, a safe lock, an automobile lock, 'apadlock, and other types of locks. When applied to a padlock a certainconstruction of the operator is proposed which is somewhat differentfrom the construction of the operator of a door or rsafe lock. The chiefdifference is that in the door land safe locks an arrangement isprovided whereby the lock may easily be opened from the inside.

The invention also contemplates a novel arrangement for calculating andconstructing the various combinations. It is proposed that the code bein letters, and it is proposed that the combinations be built up withuneven numbers and uneven ydivisions land fractions of a degree so as toconfound pickers.

For further comprehension, of the invention, and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanyingdrawings, and to the appended claims in which thevarious novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of a key operated lock constructed inaccordance with this invention, illustrated with the front wall plateremoved.

Fig. 2 is 'an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 2 2 ofFig. l.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken on the line 3-3of Fig. l but illustrated with certain parts removed so as to disclosethe details of other of the parts.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view drawn on a reduced seele of one of thespacer springs used in the lock.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view drawn on the same scale as Fig. 2 showingone of the disc shaped tumblers of the lock.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational View of the the lock.

Fig. 7 is an end elevational View of looking from the bottom end.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram oi one of the disc shaped tumblers of thelock drawn on a reduced scale and showing the code system for theconstruction of a combination.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged detailed view of a portion of Fig. 1 toclearly disclose certain details of the lock.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 9 but showing the parts ina different position.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 but showing the parts in diierentpositions.

Fig. l2 is a view similar to Fig. 11 but showing the parts in differentpositions.

Fig. 13 is a View similar to Fig. 12 but showing the parts in differentpositions.

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of a padlock constructed accordingto this invention.

Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line |5--l5 of Fig.14.

Fig. 16 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line IB-Iii of Fig.14.

The key operated lock, in accordance with one form of this invention,includes a body 2i! from which a bolt 2l extends. The body 26 may be ofany design or construction, but preferably it is formed from stampedsheet metal. It is composed of two parts. There is the main body portion20a having a plurality of projecting lugs 22, and a iront wall platesection ZQb formed with openings 23 through which the lugs 22 pass. Thelugs are bent down to secure the parts of the body together. The body2i! is provided with anges 24 by which it may be mounted in key of Fig.6

the edge portion of a door or other place. One end of the body is open.'Ihrough this open end the bolt 2! projects. The bolt 2| has aprojecting bevel edge portion 2|a and a base arm portion 2lb whichslidably engages along one side of the body portion 22a.

A plurality of coaxially disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25D, 25o, 25d and 25eare loosely turnably supported within the body 2G. More specifically,these tumblers are supported within a substantially cylindrical shapedcasing 2% which is mounted in the body 2li. formed from a strip ofmaterial bent into cylindrical shape. Prongs 21 project from the edgeportions of the casing 26 and are adapted to engage through the sidewalls of the body 2B to xedly mount the casing 26 within the body, andfurthermore to comprise additional means for holding the front wallplate 2Gb in position.

A pair of spacer springs 28 is disposed between each adjacent pair ofthe disc shaped tumblers. These springs 28 are stamped from spring sheetmaterial. Fig. 4 disclosed a detail of one of these springs. Each spring28 is substantially of triangular shape but having blunt apexes so thatthey may be stamped out from spring sheet material in close proximity toeach other. The springs 28 are of a size so that their blunt apexessubstantially engage the inner wall of the'casing 26. Two of the bluntapexes of the springs 28 are formed with small projections 29. Theseprojections engage into small recessed The casing 26 isv portions 26aformed in the side wall of the casing 26. of the casing 26. Thearrangement is such that the springs 28 may move axially or the casing26. However, they are restrained from turning. rihe edge portions 28a ofeach pair or" springs 2B are bent towards each other so that the centralportions belly outwards and force the disc shaped tumblers intosubstantially equally spaced distances from each other, as clearly shownin Fig. 2.

The springs 23 frictionally engage the disc shaped tumblers to hold themagainst free turning. However the tumblers may be turned against thefrictional restraint of the springs 28. A blockade system is providedfor making it diiiicult to turn the tumblers. This blockade systemincludes a plurality of ratchet notches 30 formed at irregular distanceson the peripheries of the disc shaped tumblers and adapted to coact withirregularly spaced ratchet teeth 3l projecting inwards from the wall ofthe casing 26. The ratchet teeth 3l and ratchet notches 3l) prevent thedisc shaped tumblers from being freely turned in one direction,particularly if the disc shaped tumblers are not properly centered inthe casing 25. If a proper key or other centering means is provided, thedisc shaped tumblers may be freely turned in either direction.

The disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25b, etc., have central apertures 33 withoffset cutouts 34 for engagement by a combination key. The offsetcutouts 34 have rounded corners 36a, so that a picking tool will readilyslip off the offset cutouts if an attempt is made to turn the tumblers.The disc shaped tumblers are also provided with large peripheralcombination cutouts 35 for a master projection of an operator foropening the bolt 2| of the lock. These peripheral cutouts 35 arearranged at various angular distances with relation to the oiisetcutouts 351, depending on the combination of the lock. The disc shapedtumblers also are provided with toothed cutouts 35 for a toothedprojection from the operator previously mentioned. The disc shapedtumblers are also provided with edge areas il immediately adjacent theperipheral cutouts 35 capable of jamming with a certain cam projectionon the operator as hereinbefore more fully described.

An operator is used in conjunction with the tumblers 25a, 2'5b, etc. Inthe particular form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1-5, theoperator comprises a bar 38 which is slidably mounted on the base armportion 2lb of the bolt 2l. The operator 38 is urged towards the rightby a spring 39 which is mounted in the body 2i). The bolt 2l is urgedtowards the left by a spring 40 also mounted in the body Z. The spring39 is very weak so as to be incapable of moving the operator 33 againstthe frictional resistance of the springs 28 as hereinafter more fullyexplained. The operator 38 has an end portion 32a engageable against theshoulder 2 lbb of the base arm portion 2lb for moving the bolt 2l. Thecasing 2S has a laterally projecting portion 2Gb engaging against thetop portion of the shoulder Zibb to form a guide for the base armportion 2| b when the bolt 2l is extended. When the bolt 2| is retractedthe edge portions of the head of the bolt are of a sufficiently largearea to slidably support the bolt within the body 2i! without lateralshifting. A lug d! is formed on the inner end of the base arm portion2lb and strikes the lateral projection Elib of the Casing 26 to limitextension of the bolt 2|.

The recessed portions 25a extend axially The operator 38 has a masterprojection 42 which normally rests against the edges of all of the discshaped tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., as illustrated in Fig. 9. The base armportion 2lb and the operator 38 are as wide as the interior of the body28. The master` projection 42 also extends completely across theinterior. width of the body 28. In certain turned positions of the discshaped tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., the master projection 42 is capable ofentering the peripheral combination cutouts 35 as will be hereinaftermore fully explained. Then the operator 38 is capable of assuming acertain neutral position. When it reaches this position it is possibleto turn the disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., to open the lock.However, even though the master projection 42 enters all of theperipheral combination cutouts 35 it necessarily does not assume itsneutral position. The cutouts 35 are much larger than the size of themaster projection 42. For this reason the master projection 42 may beslightly to one side, or slightly to the other side of its true neutralposition. When in this position the lock cannot be opened as will beapparent as this specification proceeds.

The master projection 42 is formed with a plurality of catch notches 44which will be in the path of the edge portions of the peripheralcombination cutouts 35 and jam therewith when the tumblers 25a, 25e,etc., are in certain positions slightly off their true neutralpositions. One of these off positions is illustrated in Fig. 1o. Theoperator sa has a @am projection 45 extending its full width except fora cutout 45a at one area through which one of the disc shaped tumblersmay engage. This cam projection 45 will be in the path of the edgeportions 31 of the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., and jam therewith when thetumblers are in other positions slightly oil' of their true neutralpositions, and hence the operator 38 will be slightly off of its trueneutral position.

The operator 38 is also provided with a. toothed projection 41 whichextends the entire width of the operator. The toothed projection 41 isto one side of the master projection 42. 'I'he cam projection 45 is tothe other side of the master projection 42. The toothed projection 41 isadapted to engage into toothed cutouts 38 formed on the peripheries ofthe tumblers 25a, 25b, etc., when the lock is in its open position. Thetooth 41 and toothed cutouts 38 are for the purpose of assisting inmoving the operator 38 to its closed position to relock the lock, aswill hereinafter be more fully explained.

The lock may be opened from the inside. For this purpose there is ahandle 58 which has a stem 5| extending through a slot 52 formed in onewall of the body 28. This stem 52 engages into the base arm portion 2lb.The handle I58 may be gripped and pulled towards the right (withspecific relation to Fig. 1). This retracts the bolt 2| irrespective ofthe position of the operator 38.

A certain type of key is necessary to open this key operated lock. Thekey is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. It comprises a handle 54 from whicha non-circular core 55 projects. A plurality of discs 56a, 56h, 56c,56d, etc., are formed with central openings so that the discs xedlyengage on the non-circular core 55, that is, nonrotative. Certain of thediscs have radial projections 51 forming the combination of the key. Theouter end 55a of the core is riveted to xedly hold the discs inposition. The projections 57 lock.

appear only on each second disc. The alternate discs are blanks. Theprojections 51 preferably are arranged at progressive angular distancesfrom each other, producing a right hand spiral.

The projections 51 are adapted to extend into the offset cutouts 34 ofthe disc shaped tumblers. However, it should be noted that the cutouts34 are much wider than the widths of the projections 51. The purpose ofthis is to reduce resistance to the insertion of the key into theMoreover, the larger the offset cutouts 34 are, the more diflicult itwill be to pick the lock, with picking tools. The key is capable ofrotatively supporting the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., so that the ratchetteeth 3| do not engage with the ratchet notches 38.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a system for coding locks in accordancewith this invention. One of the disc shaped tumblers is illustrated,speciiically, the tumbler 25a. It is proposed that a layout be producedhaving a plurality of radial linesv indicated by the letters a, b, d,etc., as illustrated in Fig. 8. These radial lines are at variousirregular angular distances from each other. For example, the anglebetween the radial lines u and h may be 35MB. A code of letters for aparticular combination may be worked out. It is intended that the codebe used to locate the oilset cutouts 34 in'relation to the largeperipheral cutouts 35. In this way tumblers of a particular combinationmay be produced and a key to fit the particular lock. The dot and dashlines 54 in Fig. 8 schematically indicate the handle of the key whichmust be located in a predetermined direction. For example, in thevertical, extending upwards.

The operation of the lock and its structural details may be betterunderstood from the following description. Assume the lock to be closed,that is, in the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 9. In this positionthe operator 38 is to the left of the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc. The weakspring 39 is pushing the operator 38 towards the right engaging themaster projection 42 against the edges of the tumblers 25a, 2517, etc.

The lock may be opened by inserting the key into it. The key is grippedby the handle 54 and the outer extremity of the key is engaged throughthe outer wall of the body 28. The body 28 has an opening 28e into whichthe tip of the key may engage. The key is moved inwards un til theprojection 51 from the outermost disc of the key strikes the outer faceof the first tumbler 25a. The key is then turned until the projection 51reaches the oilset cutout 34 of the first tumbler 25a. The projection 51now passes through the cutout 34. The key may be inserted a smalldistance further until the outermost projection 51 and the next t0 theoutermost projection 51 of the key engage the outer faces of the firstand second tumblers 25a. and 25h. The key is now pressed slightlyinwards so as to slightly ex the spacer springs 28, and the key is nowturned until the two projections 51 pick up the two cutouts 34 of thetwo tumblers 25a and 25h. Then the key may be inserted still furtherinto the lock. In this Way the key is worked into the lock until it isfully in position.

It will be readily understood that if the projections 51 are arranged ina right hand spiral the key may easily be properly positioned into thelock by turning it continuously clockwise as it is being fed into thelock. When the key is completely engaged into the lock, all of thetumblers, 25a, 25o, etc., will be axially supported and hence theratchet teeth 3| cannot engage any of the ratchet notches 30. The keymay now be turned so that the projections '5l of the key simultaneouslyengage the leading edges of the oiset cutouts 34 and simultaneously turnthe f tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., to a position in which the handle 54 ofthe key is directed upwards vertically. In this position of the key andtumblers, the spring 39 is free to move the operator 38 to its neutralposition. The spring 39 will now move the operator 38 into thisposition. The parts are now in the position illustrated in Fig. 12. Thekey may now be turned for rotating all of the tumblers simultaneouslyand the tumblers in turn will engage the left side of central projection42 of the operator 38 which is then moved and indirectly moves the bolt2 I The projection 42 now moves across the tumblers 25a, 2519, etc., t0the right hand sides of the tumblers. The lock may be held in its openposition by now disturbing the combination merely by turning the key andtumblers and withdrawing the key. To lock the lock it is necessary thatthe key be re-engaged into the lock as previously described, and thatthe tumblers be properly aligned by properly positioning the key, andthen the key may be again turned for turning the tumblers and lockingthe lock.

The pick proof nature of the lock may best be understood by consideringthe operation of one attempting to pick the lock. The rst problem of thepicker is to turn the tumblers against the blockades of the ratchetteeth 3| and the ratchet notches 3i). To do this each tumbler must besupported by at least two points on diametrically opposite sides of itscentral opening 33. It must be supported centrally to make turningpossible. If the picker is successful in doing this he may turn thetumblers. Assume that the tumblers are turned from the position shown inFig. 9 to the position shown in Fig. 10. The picker has now succeeded inturning the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., to positions in which the centralprojection 42 has entered the peripheral cutouts 35 of the tnmblers.However, his troubles are not over yet because it is now necessary thatthe tumblers be properly positioned to permit the operator 38 toassumeits truely neutral position.

In Fig. l0, the operator 38 has notas yet assumed its truely neutralposition, because one or more of the tumblers are still holding it oi.The spring 39 is so weak that it cannot push the operator 33 against theholding action of the tumblers. Instead, the frictional resistance ofthe springs 23 hold the tumblers xedly, and it is necessary for thetumblers to be turned before the operator 3B may move. In Fig. l0 theoperator 38 happens to be in position slightly to the left of its trueneutral position. If any attempt is now made to turn the tumblers itwill be found that one of the edges of the cutouts 35 of the turnblerswill engage the catch notches 44 of the central projection 42 and theoperator 33 becomes jammed.

Fig. l1 shows another position of the tumblers in which the operator 3Bis too far to the right of its true neutral position. In this positionthe cam projection 55 is engaging one or more of the edge areas 3l ofthe tumblers and an attempt to turn the tumbiers to open the lock willcause the cam projection 45 to become wedged in between the operator 3Sand the tumblers, foiling the picker.

Fig. 12 shows the correct neutral position for Vall of the tumblers andfor the operator 33. In

Adirectly over the cutout 45a (see Fig. 3) of the cam projection 45. Themain portions of the cam projection 5 is to the left of the edgeportions 31, in Fig. l2 so that the cam projection '35 will not functionto jamV the operator 33 when an attempt is made to turn the'tumblers toopen the lock. Moreover, the edges 35h of the peripheral cutouts 35i arein a position to miss the catch notches 44. The edges 35h will strikethe left hand side of the master projection 42. Now the tumblers maybeturned and the operator 33 will be moved to open the lock.

The key will place the parts in the position shown in Fig. l2 veryeasily for opening lock. It is merely necessary to insert the key andproperly position the key. However, a picker attempting to open the lockwill have a tremendous job getting the parts into the position shown inFig. l2.

In Figs. lli-'i6 inclusive the combination lock, in accordance with thisinvention, has been applied to a padlock. The padlock includes a body tefrom which a bolt Si extends. This bolt has an inner operator endportion t2. A plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25D, 25C,25d and 25e are loosely turnably supported within the body E3. Thesetumblers have central apertures 33 with oiset cutouts 34 for acombination key. These tumblers are also provided with large peripheralcombination cutouts 35 for a master projection l2 of the operator 62.The disc shaped turnblersV are also provided with toothed cutouts Ll'fora tooth projection 41 on the operator 52. The operator 62 is alsoprovided with a cam projection 45 adapted to jam in conjunction withcertain edge portions of the disc shaped tumblers,

The movable operator 32 comprises merely the inner end portion of thebolt iii. This inner end portion is forged so as to have a pair ofpassages S4 in which expansion springs 39 are housed. These expansionsprings urge the operator 62 towards its neutral position.

The disc shaped' tumblers are separated by pairs of spacer springs 28.The disc shaped tum'blei's are loosely turnably supported within thebody E by the side wall portions of the body and by transverse rods 35riveted through the front and back walls of the body. These rods 65 alsoserve to support the spacer springs 23. The spacer springs 28 aresubstantially of triangular form and at certain of their apeXes areformed with cutouts 33 through which the rods 65 pass. The rods are ofratchet tooth construction to coact with ratchet notches 3B formed onthe peripheries of the disc shaped tumblers. The body 6U is alsoprovided with certain ratchet tooth projections 3l which also coact withthe ratchet notches 36 to limit turning of the disc shaped tumblers inone direction except when they are axially aligned.

In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previousform and like parts are identied by like reference numerals. It isbelieved that the operation is substantially identical to theprior form.The only essential difference resides in the fact that, in Figs. 14-16,the operator t2 is integral with the bolt 6 I, while in the prior formthe operator comprises a part separate of the bolt. For this reason inthe prior form of theinvention the bolt may be opened from the inside ofthe door without disturbing the operator. With the padlock constructionthis is not possible,

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of myinvention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to theprecise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to allchanges and modifications coming within the scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with oiset large cutoutsfor a combination key having small projections to engage the ends ofsaid Gif-set cutouts and also having large peripheral combinationcutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock,and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a masterprojection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and incertain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable intosaid peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then beturned to move said operator for opening said lock.

2. In a lock, a plurality or" coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with offset largecutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage theends oi said offset cutouts and also having large peripheral combinationcutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, amovable operator for opening said lock and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into saidperipheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turnedto move said operator for opening said lock, and means for preventingturning of said disc shaped tumblers in one direction when the tumblersare laterally displaced.

3. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with offset largecutouts for a combination key havingy small projections to engage theends of said offset cutouts and also having large peripheral combinationcutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, amovable operator for opening said lock and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into saidperipheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turnedto move said operator for opening said lock, and means for preventingturning of said disc shaped tumblers in one direction when the tumblersare laterally displaced, comprising stationary ratchet teeth engageablewith ratchet notches formed in the peripheries of the tumblers.

4. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers llooselyturnably supported and having central apertures with oiset large cutoutsfor a combination key having small projections to engage the ends ofsaid offset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutoutsfor a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and amovable operator for opening said lock and having a master projectionnormally resting againstI the edges of said tumblers and in certainturnedneutral positions of said tumblers being movable into saidperipheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turnedto move said operator for opening said lock, said tumblers beingcoaxially stacked in a substantially cylindrical casing, and ratchetteeth projecting from said casing and en'- gageable with ratchet notchesformed inthe peripheries of said tumblers when the tumblers are out ofcenter in the casing,

5. In av lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported andl having central apertures with offset largevcutouts for a combination key having small projectionslv to engage theends of said offset cutouts andi also having large peripheralcombination cutouts for' a master projection of an operator for openingsaid lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having amaster projection normally resting -against the edges of said tumblersand in certain turned neutral positionsv of said tumblers being movableinto said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may thenbe turned to move said operator for opening said lock, said tumblersbeing coaxially stacked in a; substantially cylindrical casing, andratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchetnotches formed in the peripheries oi said tumblers when the tumblers areout of center in the casing, and resilient means interposed betweenadjacent faces of said tumblers to resiliently hold the tumblers inspaced positions.

6. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with offset largecutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage theends of said offset cutouts and also having largey peripheralcombination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for openingsaid lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having amaster projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblersand in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movableinto said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may thenbe turned to move said operator for opening said lock, said tumblersbeing coaXially stacked in a substantially cylindrical casing, andratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchetnotches formed in the peripheries of said tumblers when the tumblers'are out of center in the casing, and resilient means interposed betweenadjacent faces of said tumblers to resiliently hold the tumblers inspaced positions, said resilient means comprising pairs of spacersprings.

7. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblersv looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with oiset large cutoutsfor a combination key having small projections to engage the ends ofsaid oiiset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutoutsfor a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and amovable operator for opening said lock and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said` tumblers and in certainturned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into saidperipheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turnedto move'said operator for opening said lock, said tumblers beingcoaxially stacked in a substantially cylindrical casing, and ratchetteeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchet notchesformed in the peripheries of said tumblers when the tumblers are out ofcenter in the casing, and resilient meansA interposed between adjacentfaces of said tumblers to resiliently hold the tumblers in spacedpositions, said resilient means comprising pairs of spacer springs, andmeans acting between said springs and casing for holding the springsagainst turning.

8. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with offset largecutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage theends of said oiset cutouts and also having large peripheral combinationcutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock,and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a masterprojection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and incertain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable intosaid peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then beturned to move said operator for opening said lock, and blockade meansassociated with said operator and tumblers for preventing turning of thetumblers if the tumblers and operator are slightly out of their trueneutral positions.

9. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with offset largecutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage theends of said oiiset cutouts and also having large peripheral combinationcutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock,and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a masterprojection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and incertain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable intosaid peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may thenbe'turned to move said operator for opening said lock, and blockademeans associated with said central apertures with offset large cutoutsfor a combination key having small projections to engage the ends ofsaid offset ctuouts and also having large peripheral combination cutoutsfor a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and amovable operator for opening said lock and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into saidperipheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turnedto move said operator for opening said lock, and blockade meansassociated With said operator and tumblers for preventing turning of thetumblers if the tumblers and operator are slightly out of their trueneutral positions, said blockade means including a cam projectionadapted to Wedge together the operator and the tumbler discs againstmotion in the event that relative movement of these parts starts whenthese parts are out of their true neutral positions.

1l. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers looselyturnably supported and having central apertures with offset largecutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage theends of said oset cutouts and also,

Cil

having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection ofan operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for openingsaid lock and having a master projection normally resting against theedges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of saidtumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, wherebythe tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening saidlock, said combination cutouts being worked out from a letter codesystem in which uneven numbers and divisions in fractions of degrees areused to confuse pickers.

12. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, aplurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supportedwithin said body and having central apertures with oliset cutouts for acombination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts fora master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also havingtooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also havingedge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, amovable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of thetumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to aneutral position, said master projection having catch notches which willbe in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combinationcutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positionsslightly oii of their true neutral positions, said operator having a camprojection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblersand jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly ofiof their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projectionengaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position ofsaid bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position torelock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers insep-arated positions and also frictionally non-rotative, and Weakresilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position andbeing incapable of moving sai-cl tumblers against said i'rictionalholding means.

13. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, aplurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supportedwithin said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for acombination key and f also having large peripheral combination cutoutsfor a master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and alsohaving tooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and alsohaving edge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of saidoperator, a movable operator for opening said bolt and having a masterprojection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and incertain turned positions of said tumblers approximating neutralpositions of the tumblers being movable into said peripheral combinationcutouts to a neutral position, said master projection have catch notcheswhich will be in the path of the edge portions of said peripheralcombination cutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certainpositions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operatorhaving a cam projection which Will be in the path of said edge areas ofthe tumblers and jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positionsslightly off of their true neutral.

positions, said operator having a tooth projection engaging in the toothcutouts of said tumblers in the opened `position of said bolt to assistin moving the operator to its closed positionto lrelockA the bolt, meansfor resiliently holding said tumblers in separated positions and alsofrictionally non-rotative, and weak resilient means for urging saidoperator to its neutralposition and being incapable of moving saidtumblers against said frictional holding means, said operator and boltbeing integral.

14. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, aplurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supportedwithin said body and having central apertures with oiset cutouts for acombination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts-fora master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also havingtooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also havingedge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, amovable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of thetumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to aneutral position, said master projection have catch notches which willbe in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combinationcutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positionsslightly oi of their true neutral positions, said operator having a camprojection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblersand jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly offof their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projectionengaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position ofsaid bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position torelock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers inseparated positions and also frictionally non-rotative, and weakresilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position andbeing incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional holdingmeans, said operator being slidably mounted on an inner arm portion ofsaid bolt and cooperative with a shoulder on said arm for moving thebolt to open the lock.

l5. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, aplurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supportedwithin said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for acombination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts fora master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also havingtooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also havingedge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, amovable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of thetumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to aneutral position, said master projection have catch notches which willbe in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combinationcutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positionsslightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a camprojection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblersand jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly offof their true neutral positions, said operator having a toothprojectionengaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position ofsaid bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position torelock the bolt, Ameans for resiliently holding said tumblers inseparated positions and also frictionally nonrotative, and weakresilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position andbeing incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional holdingmeans, said tumblers being loosely turnably supported within said bodyby being disposed within a substantially cylindrical casing, and saidmeans for resiliently holding the tumblers comprising spacer springsWithin said casing and disposed between adjacent faces of the tumblers.

16. In a lock hav'mg a body and having a bolt extended from said body, arplurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supportedWithin said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for acombination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts fora master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also havingtooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also havingedge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, amovable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of thetumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to aneutral position, said master projection have catch notches which Willbe in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combinationcutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positionsslightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a camprojection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblersand jam therewith When the tumblers are in other positions slightly offof their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projectionengaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position ofsaid bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position torelock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers inseparated positions and also fricvtionally non-rotative, and weakresilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position andbeing incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional holdingmeans, said tumblers being loosely turnably supported within said bodyby being disposed Within a substantially cylindrical casing, and saidmeans for resiliently holding the tumblers comprising spacer springswithin said casing and disposed between adjacent faces of the tumblers,and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable withratchet notches formed in the peripheries of said tumblers when saidtumblers are slightly off from true axial positions within said casing.

17. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, aplurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supportedWithin said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for acombination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts fora master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also havingtooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also havingedge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, amovable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projectionnormally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certainturned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of thetumblers being movable into said peripheral corribination cutouts to aneutral position, said master projection have catch notches which willbe in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combinationcutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positionsslightly ofi of their true neutral positions, said operator having a camprojection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblersand jam therewith When the tumblers are in other positions slightly offof their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projectionengaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position ofsaid bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position torelock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers inseparated positions and also frctionally non-rotative, and weakresilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position andbeing incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional hold-`ing means, said tumblers being loosely turnably supported Within saidbody by being disposed Within a substantially cylindrical casing, andsaid means for resiliently holding the tumblers comprising spacersprings within said casing and disposed between adjacent faces of thetumblers, and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageablewith ratchet notches formed in the peripheries of said tumblers whensaid tumblers are slightly oi from true axial positions Within saidcasing, said casing having a laterally projecting portion, and said bolthaving a base arm portion slidably engaging said laterally projectingportion for assisting in steadying the bolt.

OTI'O E. SEIFFERT.

